Cricket Interval Rules: innings, lunch, tea and drinks breaks
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TL;DR: MCC Law 11 defines scheduled cricket intervals. The general interval between innings is 10 minutes, drinks intervals should be as short as possible and no longer than five minutes, while match playing conditions set other breaks and adjustments.
This guide explains the Law in plain language, then points readers to the competition document that controls a live decision.
What is the short answer on cricket intervals?
The general Law gives a 10-minute interval between innings and a maximum five-minute drinks interval. Lunch, tea and format-specific breaks are governed by the match agreement and playing conditions.
How long is the interval between innings?
Law 11.2.2 sets the general interval at 10 minutes from the close of one innings to the call of play for the next. A competition can write a different operational arrangement.
How do drinks intervals work?
Drinks intervals should be kept as short as possible and cannot exceed five minutes under the general Law. Umpires set the timing before play, subject to the Law’s exceptions.
Can the timing move?
Yes. Umpires and captains can change agreed times when play is lost or players leave the field, but they must stay within the conditions in Law 11.
Which source controls the rule?
The MCC Law 11 page is the baseline. ICC playing conditions control international formats.
Why do televised breaks differ?
A broadcast window, strategic timeout or competition rule may create a format-specific break. It should not be relabelled as the general MCC interval without checking the playing conditions.
What does the comparison table show?
| Topic | Current answer | Source or rule | Editorial caution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Between innings | 10 minutes under the general Law | Law 11.2.2 | Playing conditions can alter details |
| Drinks | No more than five minutes | Law 11.8.1 | Taken at agreed times or as permitted |
| Lunch or tea | Agreed duration | Law 11.2 | Captains and umpires manage changes |
The table keeps the definition, decision point and source together. That is safer than relying on a short broadcast phrase or a social-media graphic.
What should readers check next?
Open the named MCC, ICC or board document before applying the explanation to a match. Format-specific playing conditions can add detail to the general Law.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the break between innings?
The general MCC Law says 10 minutes.
How long can drinks last?
No more than five minutes under Law 11.8.1.
Are tea and lunch always the same length?
No. Their duration is agreed under the match conditions.
Can captains skip a drinks interval?
The Law allows agreements to forgo certain intervals, with the umpires informed.
When should this page be reviewed?
After an MCC or competition playing-condition change.
Does T20 use the same break?
Not necessarily. The current T20I playing conditions set the operational timing.
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Frequently asked questions
How long is the break between innings?+
The general MCC Law says 10 minutes.
How long can drinks last?+
No more than five minutes under Law 11.8.1.
Are tea and lunch always the same length?+
No. Their duration is agreed under the match conditions.
Can captains skip a drinks interval?+
The Law allows agreements to forgo certain intervals, with the umpires informed.
When should this page be reviewed?+
After an MCC or competition playing-condition change.
Does T20 use the same break?+
Not necessarily. The current T20I playing conditions set the operational timing.
Sources
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